May 1, 2025

By Mayor Derrick R. Wood

May is Mental Heal Awareness Month, and here in Dumfries, we’re not just recognizing it — we’re living it out loud, together.

Growing up, I watched my grandmother struggle with mental health challenges, but back then, it wasn’t something people talked about. It was kept quiet, almost invisible. Now, as a father, veteran, and mayor, I know how crucial it is to bring those conversations to light — and to create space for people to care for both their bodies and their minds.

Mental Wellness Is a Community Priority

To me, mental wellness isn’t just about therapy or medication — though those are important. It’s also about the everyday things that bring us peace: praise and worship, jamming to your favorite song, or taking a walk to clear your head.

That’s why this May, I’m inviting every resident to join me for the Move with the Mayor® Spring Mental Health and Physical Activity Challenge — a nationwide initiative designed to promote movement, connection, and emotional wellness. But in Dumfries, we’re adding our own flavor.

Meet Me on Mondays at 7 PM – Ginn Memorial Park

We’re kicking off every Monday with a free fitness session led by local champions of wellness. These sessions are open to all ages and fitness levels — just bring comfortable shoes, a water bottle, and an open heart. Here’s the lineup:

May 5

SOS Fit — with Coach Freddy, Coach D, and Coach B

Get ready to sweat with this high-energy trio bringing rhythm, motivation, and movement to start the month strong!

May 12

One With Ebony — Mindfulness and mobility through yoga

Unwind your body and restore your spirit with peaceful, grounding movement led by Ebony.

May 19

Elise M. Harris, ‘Diva Chef’ — Strength, discipline, and inspiration

She’s more than muscles — Elise is bringing passion, empowerment, and fitness motivation to Dumfries!

May 26 (Memorial Day)

Community Self-Care Day

There’s no organized session this day — but we encourage you to grab a friend, take a walk, or reflect in nature. Wellness doesn’t take a holiday.

How to Join the Movement:

• ✅ Show up every Monday in May at 7 PM at Ginn Memorial Park (3800 Graham Park Rd)
• ✅ Dress comfortably and bring water
• ✅ Invite a friend or family member — accountability makes it more fun
• ✅ Post a photo or video using #MoveWithTheMayor
• ✅ Nominate someone who inspires you as a Wellness Champion each week

This is your moment. Let’s make wellness a lifestyle, not just a month.

No Experience Necessary — Just Show Up

Whether you’re a fitness pro or haven’t moved in a while, these sessions are for you. No judgment. No pressure. Just a community showing up and holding space for one another.

Weekly Wellness Shoutouts

Each Monday, I’ll spotlight a Dumfries Wellness Champion — someone showing up, putting in effort, and leading by example. It might be you, your neighbor, or someone you invite to join the movement.

Tag your posts, nominate a friend, or just keep showing up — we see you.

Why It Matters

Dumfries already has the tools to thrive: a new 24-hour gym in the Triangle Shopping Center, walkable parks, and a beautiful Fitness Court at Ginn Memorial Park. But what we’re building now is a culture — where we support, celebrate, and uplift each other.

My vision is that these Monday meetups become a year-round movement. More group walks. More accountability. More joy. More healing.

Let’s rewrite the story of mental health in Dumfries — together, one step at a time.

See you Monday. Let’s move, Dumfries. Let’s heal. Let’s thrive.